The Running Man [1st Edition, 2nd Printing]

Richard Bachman; Stephen King

ISBN 10: 0451115082 / ISBN 13: 9780451115089

Published by Signet, New York, 1982

About this Item

A Near Fine copy of one of a scarce early Stephen King title writing as Richard Bachman. This is the Signet AE1508 copy with "First Printing, May 1982" and the number line reading "2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9" on the copyright page. Light wear to the extremities (see photos) with a light crease to bottom front corner, small stain to lightly creased spine. Rear cover has a small indent (surface only). Internally in beautiful unmarked condition. Overall an very nice copy of this 43 year old paperback collectible. ROBUST SHIPPING. Copy B.

Seller Inventory # 000372

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Running Man [1st Edition, 2nd Printing]
• Publisher: Signet, New York
• Publication Date: 1982
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0451115082
• ISBN 13: 9780451115089
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 2nd Printing
• Condition: Near Fine
• Weight: 200 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Unabridged CDs, 7 CDs, 9 hours

Read by TBA

The year is 2025. The Running Man

Review

Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) crafted The Running Man early in his career, though after such mega-hits as Carrie and The Shining. A bit of a departure from the supernatural horror that is most frequently associated with his work, the novel describes a science fiction dystopia where market capitalism and television game shows have spiraled out of control, and the separation between the haves and the have-nots has been formalized with separate currencies. King establishes characters quickly, creating sympathy in the first few pages for Ben Richards--whose 18-month-old baby girl is suffering from a horrible cough, perhaps pneumonia. Not able to afford medicine, Richards enters himself in the last-chance money-making scheme of the Free-Vee games. The games include Treadmill to Bucks, in which heart-attack prone contestants struggle to outlast a progressively demanding treadmill, or the accurately named Swim the Crocodiles. After a rigorous battery of physical and mental examinations, Richards is assigned "Elevator Six"--the path of a chosen few--that leads to The Running Man game. In this game, the stakes and the prizes are raised. Success means a life of luxury. Failure means death. Unfortunately, few ever win the game; in fact, as the producer tells Richards, in six years no one has survived.

The Running Man is a short book, tightly written to be read and enjoyed quickly. The future world it depicts is vividly captured with a few essential details. The action is also fast paced and, though the novel differs from much of King's other work, the sardonic social commentary reveals a pleasing glimmer of King's characteristically twisted sense of humor. --Patrick O'Kelley